People everywhere are looking for the best toys this Christmas. You cannot go wrong with a Hot Wheels set for any boy wanting to race!
The Story of Hot Wheels is that they were born in the spirit of California’s custom car culture, Hot Wheels® cars and track sets have ignited the imaginations of millions of kids and adults around the world. For nearly four decades, the fantasy-inspired designs of Hot Wheels® cars have brought to life the speed, power, performance and edgy attitude for … [Read more...]

The Los Angeles Times reports
Zig Ziglar died Wednesday at age 86, a deep-throated motivational speaker whose clever way with words inspired millions to stop looking for shortcuts to success -- and instead earn it the old-fashioned way by rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.
"Zig Ziglar" was a trending term on Twitter, Yahoo and Google today, social media outlets that were unfathomable when a young Ziglar returned from World War II and landed a job in sales.
It was on the job that … [Read more...]

The Los Angeles Times reports
Zig Ziglar died Wednesday at age 86, a deep-throated motivational speaker whose clever way with words inspired millions to stop looking for shortcuts to success -- and instead earn it the old-fashioned way by rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.
"Zig Ziglar" was a trending term on Twitter, Yahoo and Google today, social media outlets that were unfathomable when a young Ziglar returned from World War II and landed a job in sales.
It was on the job … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby,
Why all the stress about Christmas cards? Every year, my mom stresses over finding just the right outfits for my siblings and me and then takes a gazillion pictures till she gets just the right one for a card. It drives me crazy! Is her behavior normal?
Sincerely, Cam R. Shy
Dear Cam,
Yes, I have been on both sides of that stressful event, both as a child and as a father. As a child, I could care less how I looked or whether or not the picture came out alright. I … [Read more...]

A Christmas Carol
The story has been told many times in different ways including versions made for radio and television. However, experiencing A Christmas Carol live on stage, during the holidays and close to home, proves to be a hit again this year. “We’ve been presenting A Christmas Carol for more than 30 years,” said Travis Walter, artistic director at Meadow Brook Theatre, “A lot of years it’s like a family reunion, and our audience is part of that family.” Now in its 31st … [Read more...]

Men’s Health Awareness Month—or Movember—typically illuminates the physical maladies of the male population—not to mention the ability to sport grizzly facial hair. But this week, we highlight local research focused on the family health of men.
The Prevention Research Center of Michigan in Ann Arbor has found through a multiple-session program that Flint-area families are learning to build better father-son relationships. The effects? Curbing youth delinquency or what they have termed … [Read more...]

On Monday, December 10, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., come to the Older Persons' Commission to hear Mary Beth Snyder, Ph.D. discuss the changing face of today's college landscape.
Every fall for the last 50 years, each new class of college freshman has shown up on campuses across the country wearing jeans. But little else has been predictable. Mary Beth will provide a historical (and at times humorous) at how college life has changed since the 1960s, when she first went off to school.
Based … [Read more...]

Stuart Bikson was elected to another year as mayor of the city of Rochester Tuesday by a unanimous vote of city council. Jeff Cuthbertson was elected to another year as mayor pro tem, also unanimously. Their terms expire in November, 2013.
“It’s always an honor to be voted by your peers as mayor,” Bikson said. I will continue to work hard. I think the city council is very strong and I look forward to working together in the future.” … [Read more...]

The 61st annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade will march down Main Street Sunday. Since it won’t be broadcast on live television this year, it’s the perfect time to come downtown and see the newly renovated streetscape.
This year’s parade kicks off at Rochester Road and Tienken at 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce, this year’s theme is Inside Santa’s Workshop. The parade will be recorded by Rochester Hills TV and rebroadcast on local cable … [Read more...]